J Wests

Airborne

2012-01-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

While we were in Utah we went to this amazing place called Airborne. It has tons of trampolines, ropes, foam pits and balance beams. It's super duper fun. Here are some fun pictures from our fun night :)

Cutest baby ever and I am madly in love with him. My sister and I are SO much alike and we are seriously obsessed with each others kids. I cried like a big baby when I had to say goodbye to this amazingly sweet perfect baby.

Mommy and mommy # 2 with Mr. Perfect.

My family might be the only ones who understand these pictures :) Isn't she such a beautiful little 11 year old? I know I'm her Aunt but honestly I cannot get over how beautiful this girl is.

Best Best BEST friends :)

Christmas 2011

2012-01-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

We spent Christmas at my mom's house this year. It was so much fun. Lots of laughing, eating, chatting, and lots of presents.

Here is the world's cutest and sweetest baby. And I am his favorite Aunt. He told me :)

Trying to get a picture of Mom's pretty tree and Uncle Choo Choo needed to get his prettiness in the picture too. Love his sleepy eyes.

Optimus Prime, Super Heroes, and Alphie the Robot.

Bumblebee, Candy, and Optimus Prime.

DVD'S!

Jacob was so mad that I set the Transformers aside and made him open more presents.

Tears and Smiles.

Mom got a new KitchenAid!! YAY!!!

Utah!

2012-01-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

We were SO excited to see cousins and Aunts and Uncles. We missed them so much!

Aunt Kelli was excited for Jackson and Jacob to ride the Trax for the first time.

We met Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen downtown to go see the lights. I was so excited to be with my family!

My step dad thought I was a nut for wearing shoes with no socks in the fa-reezing weather! I thought everyone was being silly until my toes felt like they might fall off my feet. Smart one Jami!

We celebrated Jacob's second birthday...again! Lucky boy.

He received some really fun books for gifts and he was so happy about them.

Road Trip!

2012-01-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

16 hours of angels!! I'm not even joking. I have no idea why they were so wonderful or why I was so lucky but the boys were just perfect for 16 hours from Aurora, Illinois to Fort Collins, Colorado. Not one tantrum, no tears, no screams, not even a poopy diaper! No accidents, no fights, just quiet wonderful peace. They played together, they looked at books, role played with their toys, watched a movie and slept. John is amazing and he drove 14 1/2 hours while I drove a whopping hour and a half. But we made it and were so excited to see our family!

Grandma Totten was very prepared with child gates and loads of toys! The boys were in heaven with all their gifts.

Here is Grandpa West/Dad looking through the photo books we had made for him for Christmas.

John and his mom having fun with the new toys :)

Patrick took us all out to Outback Steakhouse for dinner and it was delicious! I had prime rib for the first time. Definitely won me over.

We told the waitress it was Jacob's birthday. It was 7 days just before this so we had fun with it! He was still a little unsure of flames.

He did not share the ice cream. Which is funny because he never ever eats ice cream.

Grandma Totten made a sledding hill out back for the kids to play on. They got all bundled up and had a blast!

Three generations.

Grandma made cookies with the boys. Jackson loved cutting them out and choosing which shapes to make.

Jacob waiting patiently for his turn and showing Daddy his toy.

We had a fun little movie night with everyone in our pajamas. We watched a bunch of short Christmas movies.

This picture is priceless. Jackson was so excited because he actually thinks that his Grandpa West is Santa Claus. He walked up to Terry and said "I want a big optimus prime transformer and a big francesco toy." He called him Santa the whole time we were there. I love it! And clearly Terry loves it.

Merry Christmas Sister

2012-01-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

I hope my two beautiful friends who have lost their Dads read this.

Jackson walked right up to Aunt Nikki's grave and very softly kissed the headstone. Then he came over to me and just hugged me tight. I can't help but feel like I had a little piece of my sister in that moment. Merry Christmas to all the Angels in heaven who are looking after us and are missed every moment.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love

on cold wintry nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year

Getting ready for Christmas!

2012-01-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

Jackson has sat on Santa's lap each year since he was born. He hasn't loved it until this year. I had no idea if Jacob would love it, cry, hit Santa, scream, etc... But he loved it too. Only problem is that Santa was a big ol' grump! We are all smiling and looking at the camera which is SO hard to get all four of us to do. And here is jolly old St. Nicholas frowning. He didn't ask the boys what they wanted for Christmas and Jackson had been working up the courage in line for 1 hour to tell Santa. Next year I hope Santa comes back a little nicer and jollier.

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving Jackson was begging to decorate for Christmas. While John and Jacob were napping after church Jackson and I went around the corner to our storage unit and got all the Christmas tubs and tree. We had so much fun decorating. We put on our favorite Christmas cd's and Jackson's eyes got bigger and bigger each time we pulled out another Christmas decoration.

Jacob was very proud of himself every time he got an ornament to stay on the tree :) Sweet baby!

This year we had little Yoda helpers.

John has a saxophone ornament and Jacob thought it was so fun to try to blow into it.

These pictures are just for fun. They are from a few Sundays ago. I just love how much Jackson wants to be a little man and wants to be just like his very handsome Daddy.

Jackson says he wants to go to Chinese on his mission and he wants to go to BYU really really bad for school and football.

Christmas outfits 2011

2012-01-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have so many cute pictures and posts for December from getting ready for Christmas, 3 weeks in Utah and Colorado and our long long road trip. But I'll just do one here and there for a few days. Here are my handsome little men all decked out in their Christmas outfits for church. I *LOVE* them!!

Jacob Nikolas

2011-12-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

I did a birthday post for our little Cheese Puff but I want to do more of a 2 year stats and update post too.

I took Jacob in for his 2 year check up with Dr. Reicherts whom we absolutely LOVE! He is a phenomenol Pediatrician. Jacob honestly is hitting his terrible twos with some real passion. He has always been so quiet and screamed when he's happy but the morning of his birthday was the start to some real tantrums. Here are some of the best pictures I could get at his check up.

Jacob's new stats are:

Weight: 25.5 pounds of absolute cuteness! 9th percentile
Length: 31.5 inches 20th percentile
Head circumference: I don't remember the number but the percentile is 60th.

Words that Jacob can say:
Bob - for Mom
Ma - for Mom
Dada
Socks
Juice
Bottle
No
Jackson
Horsie
Dog
Ball
What's that
There he is
Hi
Bye
Love you
Choo choo

After going over his list of words Dr. Reicherts and I decided Jacob should start speech therapy and we are very excited about it. We start in a few weeks. I think it will help a lot. Right now Jacob gets very frustrated when he can't say what he needs or wants and he hits or screams. It makes me so sad because I just want to help him. I'm sure speech therapy will help us a lot.

Jacob's favorite foods are:
Tortilla chips
Nilla wafers
Popcorn
Popcorn Chicken or Chicken Nuggets
Taquitos
Organic Fruit Lollipops
Fruit Snacks and Fruit Leather
M&M's
Berry Kix Cereal
NutraGrain Bars
Cheetos
Italian Chicken
Sweet Potatoe Puffs
French Fries
Grilled Cheese and Ham
French Toast with peanut butter and syrup
Bacon
Tilapia
Almonds and pistachios

Jacob loves:
The Hulk
Animal Noises
Being chased by Grandma
Screaming
Making funny faces
His older brother
Horsies
Cars movies
To read books
To throw tantrums and scream until it pierces my brain
Playing in his pretend kitchen
Puzzles
Playgrounds
Other kids
To be tickled
Playing "Where is Jacob?"
Hiding in little spaces
Riding the mechanical horse at Meijer
One on one time
Super heroes
Clicking his tongue
Bathtime
Magnets
Choo choo Trains
Iron Man
Matchbox Cars
Putting on bigger shoes
Nursery at church
Looking at pictures of family members

Jacob gets lots of attention when we are out because he is such a happy happy boy. He is always smiling and has the funniest laugh ever. He gets lots of attention for his red (really it's orange) hair. When the three of us (me, Jackson, and Jacob) go out together we get way too much attention and feel like celebrities because if the red hair. But when people stop us we get tons of comments on how happy Jacob is and how sweet his smile is. He is very accident prone and sometimes he hits his head and before he even has a chance to cry he smiles! He is a funny boy who loves to make people laugh and honestly he has no fear. He climbs anything and will try anything once. John hates it but right now he is definitely a mama's boy. He needs me all day and night. When we are even just out grocery shopping or eating dinner he will pull my arm to his face and cuddle. He spontaneously gives me kisses and loves throughout the day and I love it! He wants to play 24/7 and is seriously just too cute and fun! He is definitely going through terrible twos with tantrums but mostly he is happy and fun and he really makes our lives wonderful. We love our happy, fun, energetic, sweet little cheese puff so much. He probably gets a thousand kisses a day and it's still not enough for me. We can't get enough of him. I love seeing him and Jackson becoming such good friends. Jacob LOVES his older brother so much. He loves to help him, play with him, sleep next to him, and just be around him. We are so blessed with this beautiful boy and couldn't ask for more. Happy two years baby Jacob!!

Happy Birthday Cheese Puff!

2011-12-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Our little Jacob Nikolas turned 2 on December 10th. I woke up and sang Happy Birthday to him very softly and he smacked me in my face and screamed "NO!!!". He woke up knowing he was two!
Our ward Christmas party was that morning. We went and had a yummy breakfast and the kids had some fun crafts and games to play.

Later that night we had our friends/neighbors over for dinner and cake. We used our Thomas and Friends decorations from Jackson's second birthday. We brought the train table downstairs and the kids had a blast.

While Jacob was napping and I was making his cake, John and Jackson went to the dollar store because Jackson wanted to buy Jacob a birthday present and card with his money he's saved in his cowboy bank. I asked John to get some balloons and specifically asked him not to get any character balloons like Elmo. Why are men allergic to listening? :) It wasn't a big deal at all, it's just funny because it's such a typical guy thing!

We had Jacob's very favorite meal. Taquitos and green sauce.

Jacob and Peyton waiting for dinner and playing with the trains. These two play so well together. They are about a couple months apart.

Jacob's Train Cake. I had a lot of fun making this. It's not cake boss but I did my best with the time I had.

It was really sad. We sang Happy Birthday to him and instead of blowing out the candle he reached over and pinched the flame with his little fingers! There's his lesson on fire. Thank heavens for our Lavender oil. We rubbed some on his sad little fingers and he was good to go. I lit the candle again and he pushed himself away from the table and yelled at the candle. So all the other kids blew out the candle for him :)

Jacob actually ate some of the cake for the first time. Usually he just eats the frosting. I made Golden Butter cake with a raspberry filling and whipped cream butter cream frosting.

Everyone enjoyed the colorful frosting!

How adorable is that?? Melissa needs to teach me how to get my boys to pose for pictures like this. All I did was tell them to smile! So cute!

Jacob is becoming SO much like his older brother. He was so upset that his hands were dirty from the green frosting. It was pretty funny.

This birthday hat has now made it through 5 birthdays. I hope it keeps going and going.

Jacob was very excited to open his present from our friends.

And he couldn't be happier about his new car! He immediately played with it on the train table.

The kids played and played and were all kind of on a sugar high. But it was really sweet toward the end of the night. Logan, who is 6, read books to Jackson. Jackson was in heaven.

Jacob was so hyper all night and then so exhausted that he didn't even get to open his presents from mommy and daddy that night. So the next day after church we all got comfortable and he opened presents.

This picture makes me cry. I'm not just saying that. I actually had tears in my eyes when I saw this. My baby looks so big in this picture! I don't want him to look like a handsome little boy. I need him to stay a baby!

The boys both got Optimus Prime costumes. They were so excited!!

This is Jackson transforming.

He is SO into transformers.

Happy Birthday baby Cheese Puff!!

This was his very favorite toy. I am so proud of it too. I got the stable at a second hand store for 50 cents! It makes animal noises and I just washed it.

Jackson got Jacob a Transformer birthday card and a dinosaur with his own money. He was so excited for Jacob to open it.

I know I tell everyone this but I want Jacob to know this and read it when he is older. We were not trying to have another baby. Not even close. Jacob was an April Fool's joke that backfired on me. I called John on April Fool's day and acted all dramatic. I told him I was pregnant. He took it surprisingly well which made the joke lame. I told him "April Fool's!". He told me I was a nerd. Then a couple weeks later I found out I was actually pregnant. It was a huge surprise to me since I was taking birth control and we were not trying to have another baby. Jackson was just 8 months old at the time. John was excited. I cried. But I am so grateful every day of my life that we have this precious and perfect baby that I love with every bit of my heart. I don't think I can ever kiss him enough and cuddle him enough. He has brought our family so much happiness and added so much love to our home. Jacob has helped me so much in my journey for peace these last couple of years. I needed him and I know that the timing was perfect and was planned. Just not planned by me :) His name is very precious and sweet to me. We named him really fast. Once we found out he was a boy we knew it needed to be a J. John suggested Jacob and I loved it! Then John suggested Nikolas as the middle name after Nikki. I, of course, cried and was so touched. It was set in stone! That was his name. We used to tease Nikki when she was younger and call her Nikolas. Jacob is a very lucky boy to have been with his Aunt Nikki before this life and then to have his middle name after my sister. Later when his adorable and silly personality started showing my older sister, Kelli, gave him the nickname Cheese Puff. It really could not be more perfect. If any child in this world should be Cheese Puff it is Jacob! We are so blessed to have this happy happy boy in our home and I am grateful to be his Mommy. I have my days where I feel like I'm not doing good enough but I am trying every day to be the best Mother for him and to raise him righteously to be a good person and to make a difference. I know that Jacob will always make people happy. We love you Jacob Nikolas West and hope you enjoyed your second birthday!

He's all mine!!!

2011-12-06T13:33:00.001-07:00

What I ever did to deserve this ridiculously adorable handsome little man, I will never know!! I went to pick up his individual photo today and the woman said she has never photographed a cuter 3 year old in all her life! Maybe she says that to everyone but I believe her :) I only bought a 5X7 and a couple wallets because they are soooo expensive but she gave me half off because she asked to put his picture in the company portfolio. She also said she normally crops the photo so it is about their chest and up but she couldn't get over his little hands. She said it would have been painful to crop those little hands out of the picture.

Craig

2011-12-02T22:55:00.001-07:00

A couple days ago Jackson and I sat down and we wrote letters to my brother, Craig. We traced Jackson's hand on the paper because he wanted Uncle Craig to see how big he is now. Jackson asked if Craig starts with a letter C or K. Letters C, K, G, J, and X are difficult letters for little ones to learn. But I was already just proud that he was asking which one it was. So I wrote Craig's name out on a different piece of paper. Jackson said he wanted to write Craig's name on the letter because Craig would be so happy. I was seriously not expecting what he wrote in the picture below! I am so proud of my little man. I wish everyone could have seen the ginormous smile on his face because of how excited I reacted when he finished the name. He was so happy about his writing that I thought he was going to break his face from smiling so big. I love how much Jackson wants to learn. He drives me crazy with the "why? why? why?" that happens from morning to night BUT I love it at the same time because he is learning so much and it makes me proud that he is so curious and he thinks about how things work and why it works that way. He goes around all day long saying "Bed. Buh Buh Buh. Bed starts with B!" "Kalyse. Kuh Kuh Kuh. Kalyse starts with K!" "Underwear. Uh Uh Uh. Underwear starts with U!" He says this about everything. I just know that I will treasure this sweet writing of Uncle Craig's name forever!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving this year was fun and quiet. John got up early and went to the church turkey bowl where apparently he killed it! I had people coming up to me at church asking if my husband played in high school or college. He is a man with many many talents. I started out my morning with a workout and the boys enjoyed Transformer cartoons. We just kind of hung out all day. Jacob and John took a long nap together while Jackson and I prepared the food.

We went totally non traditional and had Mexican food. I have opinions on Thanksgiving that I won't bother with but if I were to eat Lobster on Thanksgiving it would be more traditional than Turkey. Which kind of sounds fun for next year!! So we decided why not eat what we love? I made Tostados and we loved it!

I made apple pie. It was super yummy. Golden Delicious apples are a staple in our house and they make the best apple pie.

Here are my ridiculously wonderful tostados :) I ate every single little bite.

I knew Jacob wasn't going to eat one so I made him and Jackson a few taquitos since they love those.

But Jackson was willing to give tostados a try and it was super cute to watch him try to eat that!

Apple pie and vanilla bean ice cream.

Jackson and Jacob just wanted ice cream in their cute little ice cream cups.

I loved watching Jacob with his ice cream! So cute to see him try to pick it up off the table.

While I was being entertained by Jacob and his ice cream, John and Jackson cleaned the kitchen and I didn't even ask them to! It was wonderful!

We spent the rest of the night playing games and just hanging out as a family. It was perfect.

I was resting on the couch and Jackson climbed up and snuggled with me. That was enough to just knock me out. He was totally fake sleeping in this picture!

The next day we stayed inside all day long because of Black Friday. I am not a fan. So we spent lots of time playing and just having fun! Jackson and Jacob love playing super heroes and for some reason they always make me be the bad guy.

I hope everyone had a fun Thanksgiving!

Little Men

2011-11-22T16:12:00.001-07:00

This is very random for this post but I am just in love with these cinnamon rolls. There's 3 different kinds. I made the dough all the same. On the left it is a regular cinnamon roll with sugar icing. On top is a pumpkin cinnamon roll with sugar icing. On the right is a cinnamon roll with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Icing. BTW... do you notice the writing on the pan? It says "Made with love (heart) By Jami. I use this pan all the time and love it so much. My sweet friends Chelsea and Ashley made it for me last year for Christmas and I have used it dozens and dozens of times in one year.

I was making these late at night and by midnight it was wearing on me. I still had 2 batches of dough ready to be rolled out and made into cinnamon rolls. I decided to roll them out, do the butter, sugar, and cinnamon and then instead of rolling into a tube form I just kind of folded it over and over into a rectangle and put it in a bread pan for swirled cinnamon bread. But of course topped it with the sugar icing and it was by far my favorite!

Onto my little men... Jackson has been baking with me since he was born. He went from the swing in the kitchen to the Bumbo, to his high chair, sitting on the counter, and now standing on a chair. He learned his colors from making rainbow cakes and cupcakes with me. And he learned some of his counting from measuring ingredients with me.
Yesterday we were invited to our friend's house for dinner and were bringing a dessert. We were making a Better than Xbox and Superheroes Cake ;) . Jackson honestly did everything except handle the cake in and out of the oven. He cracked the eggs, he poured the measured ingredients, turned on the kitchenaid, scraped the batter into the cake pan.

He poked all the holes in the cake.

Poured the sweetened condensed milk and caramel syrup all over the cake.

Made Mommy laugh and laugh and laugh!

And laugh!

And then he smoothed it all over with a spatula and helped me put it in the fridge. Later he helped me spread cool whip and sprinkle heath bits all over it. I didn't take a picture of the finished cake but I was so proud of my little man!

I had to have pictures of both my boys this morning before we headed out the door for preschool. They were just looking extra extra cute to me! This handsome little guy just kills me. You shouldn't be this handsome at 3!

He is such a goofball. He is like this 24/7.

Jackson was so excited about wearing a scarf today. He said he is a big man now.

Jacob wasn't even close to cooperative and I will not post the pictures of meltdowns but I just wanted to show off how adorable and sweet my baby is. He just got a big boy haircut from Ashley and I seriously can't handle how cute it is!

Don't mind dorky looking Mommy in the pictures.

Ummm... ya. I am SO photogenic! My older sister tells me I'm SO photogenic all the time and this picture totally proves that :) But little man Cheese Puff just looks too cute to not post it.

Some of our every day's

2011-11-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Jacob loves to be in his own little spaces. I still need to get a picture but often I will find him in his closet with the doors shut and he is just sitting there. If we have friends over and he gets nervous or overwhelmed he runs behind the glider or in this tiny space between a wall and a bookshelf. He loves to sit in the toy box and laundry hampers. He is such a funny boy!

My boys are very different in a lot of ways but they have this in common. They are completely obsessed with blankets and "friends" which are their plush toys. They love to be surrounded by their "friends" during naps and bedtime.

This little pooh bear security blanket has survived being slept with and dragged around every single day for over 3 years. I had no idea when I bought it for Jackson that it would be such a love of his and Jacob's. Jackson could not sleep without it until Jacob was old enough to take over it and now Jacob drags it around everywhere and rubs it on his little nose.

I love my Jachee!! He is too good for me. He hates that I leave our dirty clothes in a pile on the floor. So he when he gets dressed in the morning I noticed he started taking his pajamas and putting them right into the washer. I don't think it will be long honestly before I can teach him how to put soap in the washer and start it and do his own laundry :)

We had to get Jackson started on an Asthma Action Plan with his pediatrician. He had started having attacks weekly and it was getting bad. So he is now on another medication and has to have his nebulizer every night. He knows the routine. He gets the vial of medicine and John or I put it in the mask. He gets a book and puts the mask on and gets comfy. Sometimes it makes him really tired. He's such a sweetie pie.

This little stinker! He is a wild child sometimes. I never leave markers laying around because I know this one will be destructive. But somehow a green marker made its way into the boys bedroom. Jacob was napping and very quietly woke from his nap and found the marker. John heard him first and came into his room and just saw Jacob. He brought him out to me and I just kind of smiled and shook my head. Oh Jacob.

It wasn't until later when I went into his room and saw the destruction!
Poor Thomas the Train.

I didn't cry. My eyes just kind of popped out of my head. Our townhouse is painted with flat paint and when you try to wash the walls the paint just kind of comes off too! So I did not know how I was going to get this off.

I asked Jacob "Who did this??" He was very proud to say "I do!"

Of course I was not allowed to clean it. Jackson took the magic eraser and excitedly went to work!

It ALL came off beautifully and looks like it never happened. My little stinker cheese puff!

There's only one Birthday Girl in this house!

2011-11-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

I turned 28 on November 9th. My friend told me not to feel old but to think "28 is great!" so that was my phrase for the day :)

It's funny to think that not that long ago (because I'm not old!) I was this cute little red head. (yes, I'm bragging and btw, doesn't Jacob look so much like me??)

And now I have a family with my own cute little red heads!

On my birthday my amazing and beautiful friends took me out to Chili's. I love these girls so much and they made my day very special and made me feel very loved. We stayed until they started closing up :) We had so much fun! They spoiled me with amazing gifts and they forced me to eat dessert! I love you girls!!

John and the kids celebrated my birthday with me on Saturday so that John could just pamper me all day :) I started out my day with a 90 minute massage from Heavenly Massage. I want everyone to know that it was indeed heavenly! The masseuse used Lavender oil on me and 30 minutes into the massage I woke myself up because I was snoring!! So embarrassing! Luckily I had a younger girl with a sense of humor :) John said I'm lucky that out of all the things I do in my sleep I snored. We won't get into that. I have to have some secrets! That massage seriously relaxed me and when I got home I didn't even want to get ready. I just wanted to keep relaxing. John and the kids had gone to the dollar store while I was out. Jackson was looking forward to this all week. He thought it was awesome that he was going to get me a present. John gave me the best gift ever! A very long nap. He went upstairs with the kids and I laid on the couch to just rest but I fell asleep. It was wonderful.
John made dinner that night. My favorite! And I was impressed! It meant a lot to met that he has observed me making this enough to be able to make it on his own with very little direction. They were delicious and I stuffed myself silly. Don't mind my "I just woke up and don't know how to smile at a camera like a normal person" face!

I didn't want to make a cake. Gasp!! I know! I just don't have a cake I love enough to cheat that bad. I do love cheesecake but I didn't want any of us eating an entire cheesecake. So I got some donuts. I LOVE donuts. They are evil and delicious. Especially if they have a filling and chocolate on top. Jackson and John sang Happy Birthday and I had to hold Jacob back from blowing out my candle.

Then I shared my birthday wish with the boys. They were just dying to blow that candle out!

I opened my super cute presents from the kids. Jackson got me two candles and two candle holders. John said the second he walked into the store Jackson was set on getting me candles :)

Jacob got me these soft pink socks. John said that in the store Jacob picked them up and was rubbing his nose with them. So cute!

I need a better picture of this. I told John I would be mad if he spent money on me for a gift. He sat out in our freezing garage for 5 hours and carved this sculpture for me which I absolutely love. It's me with my babies and it is very precious to me. I love it! This picture is hilarious because the sculpture is ideal but this picture shows reality :)

I felt so loved and special on my birthday. I got very sweet packages in the mail from family and friends. And I was told that I have some belated gifts on their way. I feel WAY too spoiled and so so so loved by all the beautiful things people wrote to me in cards and all the birthday wishes and gifts. I think 28 will be a great year!

Epilepsy Awareness Month

2011-11-11T08:16:00.001-07:00

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. My beautiful sweet friend who knew and loved Nikki made this image above for me and my family. It really touches my heart and it is beautiful! Thank you, Maria.

Please post this image to your facebook or blog if you can. It would mean a lot to me and my family to spread the word on Epilepsy Awareness. We love our sister/daughter and miss her more than we can describe. We don't want another family to go through our pain or another precious life to be lost. This month I will pray extra for the 50 million people worldwide who suffer from Epilepsy and are battling this awful disease every day.

HOPE * LOVE * CURE

I am grateful

2011-11-07T00:18:00.001-07:00

Right now I am feeling a tremendous amount of gratitude and peace. I am deeply grateful for my Heavenly Father, for His unconditional love and protection. Although I don't always feel worthy of the blessings I have received I have a firm testimony of the gospel and I know my faith and heart belong to the true church. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ who love me when I make mistakes, who love me when I try my best, who forgive me when I fall, and who protect me when I am in need. I have an increased faith and testimony of eternal families and Heavenly Father's plan for each of us. Our Heavenly Father knows us and He knows our timing. He knows our strength and He knows our heart. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation. I feel very blessed to study my scriptures, to find answers and to have a pathway to forever happiness. And for many many reasons I am incredibly grateful for divine intervention, a precious blessing from our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for my sister in heaven. My perfect, loving guardian Angel. There really is not one day that goes by that I don't think of her and have countless moments where I just want nothing more than to hug her and tell her face to face how much I love her. Although my heart will ache until I see my beautiful sister again I have finally felt some peace about why Nikki returned to Heaven. She is working hard like she always wanted to and helping our family in amazing ways that only those on the other side can do. Nikki is doing our Heavenly Father's work. Nikki loved so much. She loved and smiled through the trials and physical pain. She loved through the rejection and hurt. She smiled through the needles and tests. I can only imagine how much she loves and smiles now... free from her mortal body and this world in perfect Paradise. It might sound crazy to some people but I can feel my sister's happiness and I can feel her smiling from Heaven. I have witnessed miracles and felt love I never imagined and I am grateful for my sister who has been the reason for those.

I am so grateful for my eternal family. I know that I chose them and I love them with all my heart. I know I chose my family because when we laugh my heart lights up. When we hug I never want to let go. When I'm not with them I miss them every day. I know each of them would do anything in this world for me and I would do the same for them. They are my eternal best friends.

I know I will be with my family forever. I am blessed beyond anything I could ever dream of. I am grateful for my eternal companion and his worthiness to hold the Priesthood. I am grateful for his spiritual example and guidance to me and our children. I admire his dedication to our faith and to our family. I know the power of prayer lead us to each other. I know my sister in heaven is protecting my precious family and we are so grateful to her for her continued strength, love, devotion and work.

Last but not least, I am forever grateful for my baby Jacob. I love this boy more than I can ever describe. I would do anything for either of my children in a split second. I can't say enough how deeply thankful I am to my Heavenly Father, the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ and protection of an absolute guardian Angel. I feel so much in my heart right now, it is difficult to put into words. I just love my baby boy so much and am grateful he is here with me and that I am so blessed to be his mommy. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and to know the true gospel. I am grateful for tender mercies, for forever families, for faith, for divine intervention, for sacred moments and miracles and for my precious precious Jacob Nikolas West. I love you Cheese Puff, always.

This is Halloween! 2011

2011-11-02T07:45:00.000-06:00

We had a blast this year for Halloween. Saturday the 22nd we went to our ward's Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun as always. Jacob went right up to our friend Molly and yelled out "yeehaw!" and did all his neighing horsie noises. It was really cute! Jackson did his count off for lift off over and over. They loved getting lots of candy. Jackson loved seeing all the different costumes. Every time he saw an older child or teenager dressed up as something scary he would just stop and stare and then say in a funny voice "He so scary mama!".

Our family picture. Cutest little cowboy, coolest little astronaut, my very handsome vampire and I am not sure what I am. I thought I was a vampiress but Jackson says I am the mother from Tangled. He called me "Mother knows best".

My father in law stayed with us for a week. He came all the way from Wyoming. We had so much fun with him and I have lots of pictures for another post of our time with him. I'm so glad he got to be here for our Halloween activity and see the kids dressed up. It was pretty surreal for him to see his only child as a father of two. He's such a sweet man and my kids love Grandpa West!

Mommy and her babies

Daddy and his buddies.

This is on Halloween on Monday. The boys were quite eager to get going and were not very cooperative for pictures but we still got some pretty cute ones!

Sad little cowboy

Jacob comes up to me when he is sad, whimpering like a sad little puppy with lips puckered asking for kisses. I love it!

Jackson is very proud of my costume and he loves the sleeves on the dress :) He kept saying "Mother knows best so gorgeous!" My little 3 year old sure knows how to make a mommy feel good!

Our traditional Halloween dinner. This was our tradition way way way back when I was a little girl :) I love keeping traditions. Homemade Chili and Scones with butter and honey.

This part just kills me. My older sister is convinced that Jackson was actually meant to be hers. He is obsessed to the point of having anxiety over sorting, organizing and cleaning. He took all of his and Jacob's candy, sorted it. All the candy bars in one pile and then sorted by type of candy bar. So all the kit kats were in one pile, snickers in another, etc... Suckers in one pile, small hard candies, airheads, smarties, etc... All sorted into little piles. And if Jacob came over to mess it all up Jackson would shoo him away and yell "Jacob! That is a very big no no! Time out if you mess up my work!"

Then he took each little pile and started lining them up and eventually made a big train track with all the candy. He was super excited and proud of his work!

Jacob thought it was great to sit inside the candy train tracks and Jackson is keeping a close eye on him making sure he doesn't mess up the masterpiece!

This is the most ridiculous picture! I have no idea what would possess me to share this scariness with the world. This is an exhausted mom with scary, crazy "Mother Knows Best" hair at the end of a long Halloween day and is trying her best to resist all the Twix bars! I failed! (head hung in shame).

Love my babies!

2011-10-28T23:13:00.000-06:00

Today I took Jackson and Jacob to the Dupage Children's Museum. We had WAY too much fun. I wish we could just go there every day. I love seeing them have so much fun. Our sweet friend gave both my kids a lunch box that her boys have outgrown. Jackson has a fire truck one and Jacob has a mickey mouse one. Jackson asked if we could have a picnic at the museum. He helped pack the lunches. He loves being mommy's big helper.

We have a pass here but haven't been for a while. They have new train stuff so the boys were in heaven!

I insist on being in pictures even if I look lame! I want them to know I was really there too :)

But Jackson took my camera and said "Well Mom, you know, I could just try to take the pictures too okay?" I just want to squeeze him when he says cute things like that!

Jacob was overwhelmed and SO happy! He said "My choo choos" about a billion times.

They worked together and had so much fun with these light things.

And they put every single one of them in there! They were so proud.

I think I had as much fun with the toys as they did :)

This is always their favorite when we come here. They love to watch the colors change. Jackson loves to say which color the lights are each time they change. Jacob loves to scream and smile every time they change.

We tried the build it part this time but I need John here for this. I couldn't hold Jacob and help Jackson at the same time. But Jackson loved the couple of minutes we were in there. He is really into building and tools. He LOVES to work in the garage with Daddy and work on projects.

These monkeys!

Jackson loves the HULK! I found this funny looking doll at a second hand store for 50 cents. Brought it home, washed it, and he is now Jackson's best friend.

Once in awhile I cave and let my boys split a churro from Costco. Jacob didn't get very far into his by the time we got home. I love when they fall asleep on our way home because they stay asleep when I carry them to their beds.

Jackson is a Daddy. Handy Manny is his son. This is coming from him, not me. He feeds him, dresses him, Handy Manny even knows how to use the big boy potty and his daddy taught him. Jackson tucks him in for nap and bed time. He eats every meal with Jackson, gets strapped into the car seat, and sits in the cart at the grocery store. Grandma (that would be me) even has to kiss him goodnight.

Jacob has to be restrained while I make dinner or he just gets into everything. So I put him in his high chair with Wonder Pets on tv for just a few minutes while I get dinner going. This is what happens when he fights his nap earlier. I

I love one on one time with each of my boys. Jacob and I get 2 1/2 hours twice a week while Jackson is at preschool. I love my time with Jacob. I can't get enough of my little Cheese Puff. He makes me crazy in a good way. He is probably so sick of me kissing and squeezing him.

If I could use one word to describe Jacob it would be happy.

I made some fun spider web cookie pops for Halloween. I was watching my friend's two cutie pies for a little bit and they all had fun with the treats.

They all kept looking at the cookies in between every bite. It was so cute.

Look at those big puppy eyes!

Jackson's bestie. She is just too cute and so much fun! Jackson absolutely adores her.

I had way too much fun making these!

Burn Baby Burn

2011-10-26T13:58:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when you are rushing yourself in a baking process and you accidentally lay your arm against the 350 degree metal wrack in the oven. I would highly recommend not doing that.

Thank heaven for my doTerra essential oils. It may look disgusting and I may have even smelled my own flesh burning and nearly vomited but I don't even feel it because of Frankincense and Lavender oils.

I'm also glad to report that I did not swear because this happened on Sunday. I yelled "mother of everything!" and I am very proud of myself. I probably shouldn't say that either I guess but it's better than dropping a certain bomb, especially on the sabbath :)

Baby Cheese Puff!

2011-10-21T22:34:00.000-06:00

I haven't updated about our sweet crazy little Cheese Puff for way too long.

Recently our family all went through some nasty colds. One night Jacob started wheezing and struggling to breathe. We tried to work him through it since we've been through this a lot with Jackson and his asthma. I could have just given him Jackson's albuterol with the nebulizer but if it turned out to be asthma I knew enough to know that it has to be on his chart. They start out treating it symptomatically and then they diagnose it if it's anything but a respiratory infection. So I took him to the Insta Care and the doctor there was the same wonderful doctor who saw Jackson the first time he struggled to breathe and who put the staples in Jacob's head. He is so nice and such a great doctor. He told me we need to stop coming in! :) He tested Jacob's oxygen levels and it was borderline. It was okay but not great. We gave him a breathing treatment in the office and a steroid treatment to open up his airways. He absolutely hated the mask. It broke my heart to force him down with this thing. But we got through it and went home. He was on the breathing treatments and steroid for 5 days and he's been doing great since. The doctor told me that he thinks Jacob has asthma just like his brother but he's not diagnosed with it officially. When he has an episode again we have to bring him in and get it on his chart and then they will do an air flow test and diagnose it. Hopefully it won't happen again!

Such a funny boy :) He kept his mouth wide open like this the entire 10 minutes.

He looks so big in this picture to me. I can't believe my baby is 22 months old!

I am dying to get this on camera! I will one of these days. He rubs his blanket so so lightly on his nose constantly. It is so comforting to him. In fact, when we did the breathing treatment in the insta care it was driving him NUTS that he couldn't get his little blanket on his nose through the mask. And I feel extra special because whenever I am next to him he rubs his blanket on my nose to comfort me.

Jackson took his blanket and this is the drama that happens when you mess with Jacob's blanket! The child cannot function without a blanket. Not kidding. He honestly cannot survive without one. At church a few times he has grabbed my hair and used it to rub on his nose when we forgot a blankey.

Two of my favorite features of Jacob's are his long orange eyelashes and his lips. I am just a tiny bit insane about kissing him like one million times a day.

Once he started feeling better he was back to playing with his favorite toys. The frying pan! Thank you TANGLED! Because of this movie I have actually been hit on my head with this frying pan when I fell asleep on the couch.

Funny funny Jacob. He is a such a goof ball!

Jackson heard Jacob crying and he came running in yelling "Jacob! I coming to save the day!"

And he absolutely did! Jacob ADORES his older brother. He loves any attention and affection he gets from Jackson. They are (usually) very very sweet brothers.

It was so cute. As soon as Jacob's breathing treatment was done and I took his mask off, Jackson immediately high fived Jacob and said "You did so good Jacob!"

And of course they are guys so they have to do "rocks".

The good old days of leaving Jacob home while napping (because John works from home) and doing some errands with one child and not two are so over. Sniff sniff. Jacob is SUPER proud of his Kung Fu Panda moves and the pack and play is retired in our garage. Both my kids went into little toddler beds very early. They both are nuts and learned how to climb to the top of their crib and fall out. The first time they did that I took the crib down. There have been deaths from babies doing things like that so I didn't take my chances. But Jacob will not fall asleep in the bed. He gets out and plays and takes the vent cover out and all sorts of stuff that has nothing to do with sleeping. So I would put him in the pack and play and he would fall asleep within a few minutes and sleep for 3 hours. But he then taught himself to swing his legs up and get out of this too!

Crazy Cheese Puff!!

He says "Ta Da!" . Oh, he is such a silly boy. He makes us laugh and he keeps mommy very very busy.

I draw a fish? Okay, that a good idea.

2011-10-18T14:32:00.001-06:00

Last night while I was cleaning up dinner Jacob was pushing his baby in the stroller in the living room and Jackson was getting bored waiting for me. He asked if he could color. I told him that was a great idea! He got out his paper and crayons and sat at his little table. I thought he was just going to scribble like he always does. He started talking to himself and he said "I draw a fish?" Then he answered himself "Okay, that a good idea!". I was in SHOCK when I walked over and saw this drawing! He really drew a fish! He even gave his adorable fish a smiley face, eyes, and eyebrows! I couldn't believe how well he drew the face! I'm still in shock right now. This is drawn by a child who scribbles the heck out of his papers.
So I asked him if he wanted to write his name. He thought that sounded fun. We have letter cards and all I did was lay them out so it spelled JACKSON. I walked away because he didn't want me to watch. I came back and this is what he had. Again... SHOCK!! He will never write letters on his own for me.

And the S and O are there. Just in between some "mess ups". The N didn't make it :) But for my little 3 year old who has been in preschool for one month I think he did a great job and I am very proud of my little man!

Catching up with lots of posts

2011-10-09T19:55:00.001-06:00

I've gotten behind a little but have lots of new posts and new ones to come shortly.
Links to new posts:

Futterflies
Potty Training
Day with Daddy
First day of Preschool

First day of preschool

2011-10-09T19:44:00.000-06:00

Lots and lots of tears. Jackson started his first day of preschool on September 6th. It was really like an orientation. So his first real day with big boy backpack and pictures was September 8th. He loves his teacher, Miss Linda. He is in the same class as his best friend, Addy. His other friend/our neighbor, Noah, will be in his class in a couple weeks. What a lucky boy!
After a couple weeks Miss Linda let me know that Jackson is having a hard time listening and doesn't want to follow directions. So I sat down to lunch with Jackson when we got home and had a nice talk with him. I told him we needed to practice listening and following directions all day on Wednesday so that he can go back to school on Thursday and be a good boy.
On Thursday Miss Linda told me that she was so impressed and surprised. She said he listened perfectly and followed every direction she gave! Go Jackson!

This handsome little guy just melts my heart.

I can't believe how big my baby is getting. It has gone by WAY too fast. I honestly wish I could freeze time and just have him stay exactly how he is right now.

I haven't updated for my kids in a little while so I wanted to just share some favorites and new things:

Jackson's favorite color is green.
He eats tons of carrots every day because I have brainwashed him into thinking that is the only way for his hair to stay orange.
His favorite breakfast food is blueberry muffins and apples.
Favorite lunch foods are grilled cheese and ham sandwich and popcorn chicken.
Favorite dinners are taquitos, tilapia, and corn on the cob.
His best friend in Illinois is Addy. They both say they are going to get married in the Hawaii temple.
His best friend in Utah is Jeffrey, his cousin. He worships Jeffrey. At home all I have to do is say "Jeffrey eats potatoes. Jeffrey cleans up his crayons. Jeffrey eats his broccoli." and then Jackson will eat it or clean it up. All because Jeffrey does too.
Jackson thinks his name is Jackson Boy West. I've tried to teach him BOYD but he says Boy. He calls me Jami Girl West.
He has been described as "an intense child" by several different people.
He is into everything boyish. Super heroes, trucks, dirt, bugs, Transformers, Space, motorcycles, rockets and spaceships, trains, army guys, weapons, killing bad guys, legos, building blocks, etc...
He also loves to cook with mommy. He loves his play kitchen or making food with playdoh.
He says and I'm not even kidding, that his favorite tv show is Hell's Kitchen.
He loves the movie Tangled and it's the only movie he sings along to or acts out scenes. He always sings the Mother knows best song and it's hilarious!
He was bringing home papers with scribbles all over when he was supposed to be tracing in preschool. So we got a dry erase board and are practicing tracing and matching with straight lines. He has improved so much in just a couple days. He catches on really fast to things.
He is an extremely curious boy. Just tonight here is our conversation. And this is one of a million that happen all day long:

Jackson: "Mommy, why I have to go to bed?"
Me "Because it's dark outside and it's bed time."
Jackson "Why it dark outside?"
Me: "Because it's night time. At night time it gets dark."
Jackson: "But why?"
Me: "In the day time the sun is out and it's light outside. At night time the sun goes to bed and so it gets dark. (I even showed him with his lamp by turning it on and off).And now it's time for us to go to bed."
Jackson: "But why the sun go down? Down where?"
Me: "It goes to another place on Earth to make it morning time for them. Far far away."
Jackson: "Where on this Earth did the sun go?"
Me: "It just went somewhere honey. It's how the world works. I'm tired. Let's go to bed please."
Jackson: "Silly mommy."

I need to go back to school so I can keep up with my 3 year old!

Day with Daddy

2011-10-09T16:57:00.000-06:00

During the late summer Jackson had a Saturday afternoon with just him and Daddy. The played outside with Jackson's rocket.

I am so in love with this picture below.

Then Daddy took him to see the huge tractors. Jackson was in HEAVEN!!

Potty Training

2011-10-09T16:43:00.000-06:00

We started potty training for Jackson on July 18th. Two weeks before his 3rd birthday. Grandma sent him some really cool Super Hero underwear. Mommy got him some green treats (green is his favorite color) and he his green sippy with juice. We spread out a blanket and watched lots of cool movies. He had WAY too much fun running around in his new cool underwear. He had little accidents during the week but it took him just a few days to really have it down. No accidents at night time ever! And thank heavens, no accidents in public.

We went to Utah shortly after he was potty trained. He had so much fun with his cousins and family. So much fun that he held it too long every time and just had accident after accident. After crying to my mom and sister we all decided it wasn't worth it to ruin the trip with several accidents a day! So we put "special" underwear on him. AKA Pull Ups. He still had some accidents the rest of the trip but sometimes he actually pulled the pull ups down and went to the bathroom.

So when we got home I decided he needed a reward system to get back on track. I made a very last minute (as you can tell!) poster for him. I told him it has 30 squares. Every day he doesn't have an accident he gets a sticker. But I told him if he did have an accident we had to start all over back on number one. He has to have 30 consecutive days with no accidents and he would get a toy that he gets to pick out. He agreed that he could do that. In fact his exact words "That a good idea Mom!"

And I am happy to report that big boy Jachee had a full 30 days with no accidents!! There was one day that doesn't count because it was my fault. I was trying to teach him to pee standing up (like a boy). He did it! He did pee in the toilet standing up but oops... he went poop too! I kind of laughed and cried all at the same time. I have now left teaching a boy the proper or manly way to pee all up to Daddy.

Here is Jackson with his (sloppy, so so sloppy) poster and toy that he picked out. He was so proud!

And here he is the next day with his new toy that actually works :) We returned the first one because it didn't work. He is so happy with his new playdoh toys.

John and I are so proud of our little man! He really did a fantastic job. He is so responsible with things like this. I have also put emphasis on him putting the toilet lid down. You're welcome future daughter in law ;)

Some of my favorite things he has said through this wonderful potty training experience: Warning - Rated PG-13.

"Bye bye stinky poop" as he flushes the toilet.
"I'm getting stronger today mom!" he says that if his poop is big
"Grandma? You have a weener?" The look on my mom's face was PRICELESS!!
"Come on weener. We have to pee before good night time"
"I pee on the toilet like a big girl like Daddy!"
"I foofed (that means fart in our house)! Uh oh! Mom! I need to poop!"
Crying uncontrollably: "Mommy, help me! I peed on Iron Man's face!" (referring to his super hero underwear)
We were in a grocery store and I was doing my potty dance trying to hold it. Jackson yells loudly enough to make people stop in their tracks and laugh "Mommy! You a big girl now! Go to the bathroom before you pee your pants!"

Futterflies

2011-10-09T15:51:00.000-06:00

Jackson is writing this post. Well, he is letting me know exactly what he wants it to say :)

"Grandma Sorensen sent me futterflies for my birthday. I turned 3. Thank you Grandma Jan Sorensen for my futterflies.
Futterflies were bugs. I named them Jeffrey, Mailee, Kalyse, Baby Cody, Aunt Kelli, Uncle Jeff, Dave and Laura, Jackson Boy West, and Jacob Nikolas West.
I watched them and they went to the lid and were shaking. Mommy tooked the lid off and put my futterflies in the big huge like Hulk cage. We watched them longer and longer (he's actually getting irritated just telling me right now how long it took) and then they were big owange and wellow and black futterflies."
Mommy cut up owanges and we dropped them in the futterflies cage. The futterflies ate the owanges with funny tongues."
We went outside and mommy was in charge. Gosh. *Sigh*. Mommy always in charge of me. My mom opened the cage and the futterflies tickled my hand. My baby Jacob got to hold one. I let all my futterflies fly all up to heaven to Nikki's house. And Jesus. And two Angels. And my dead Jeffrey fish. They in Nikki's house with all my balloons. Nikki takin' care of my Jeffrey fish and futterflies. She playin' with all Jackson's balloons too. And my birthday tractor balloon."

Okay... Jackson is done talking now. He got a little sidetracked there at the end. Thank you Mom. Both Jackson and Jacob (and me and John) really enjoyed the whole process of watching the cute fuzzy little caterpillars turn into cocoons and then butterflies. I promised you pictures :) Keep in mind... we ALL look like orphan children because we did this the night before we flew out to Utah.

Utah August/September

2011-09-25T11:17:00.000-06:00

Finally posting about our super fun Utah trip! I did great with the amount of pictures I took but didn't do so great with getting everyone in pictures. I'm sorry!

I left for Utah August 16th. My sweet babies were so good on the plane. We flew Southwest and I love them for the most part. But when John and I went to ask if someone could help me onboard with the kids the employee, Carol, said no. We explained how many things I have to carry on: A toddler carseat (these things are not easy to carry and are very heavy), a carry on duffel bag, a diaper bag, Jacob and Jackson. Her response "I have children too. You're just going to have to suck it up." REALLY?? She didn't have her name badge on so I asked her what her name is. She told me Carol and my response "Well Carol, when your boss receives my letter of complaint demanding you be reprimanded for treating a customer this way you're just going to have to suck it up."

So anyway, we finally landed and all was well. I practically threw my own kids out of the way to get to my precious little Cody! He is the most perfect and wonderful little baby. And I didn't get a single picture of just me and him.

We went to this really awesome park in Orem and had a blast! The kids loved being in the water fountain that clearly states not to play in the water fountain :) We're such rebels!

My new little niece, Tunci. Pronounced Toonchee. Isn't she the cutest little puppy ever? He's Craig's baby girl.

We went back to the park a 2nd time after John flew out. Jackson was shivering and his lips were purple!

Jackson and Mailee getting warm.

Then we fed the ducks.

My brother in law, Jeff, standing guard! :)

Grandpa Grove reading Transformers to Jackson and learning lots about decepticons and auto bots.

Funny little Cody peeking his cute little head up. My sister is so funny! She refuses to show her face in pictures.

We went to a really fun fair in Tremonton with my mom and step dad.

Then we went camping for a few days and had so much fun getting dirty.

Jackson fell and skid his knee pretty hard. He screamed forever! I finally calmed him down and he was out.

John LOVES being outdoors and doing manly stuff. Like breaking trees.

Jackson and Grandma digging for dinosaur bones

Jacob had an ant on his finger and he just watched it crawl all over his hand. It drove me crazy to watch that but he loved it.

John acting all macho after the guys bike ride.

I was not surprised that he crashed and got all scratched up. He doesn't enjoy it unless he gets hurt. He's like an 8 year old boy who thinks scratches and scars are cool and make you tough! :)

Jeff being all macho too :) Hee hee!

Kalyse found a very dirty stick and we convinced her to put her hands on her face after they were covered in dirt!

I so love these pictures of Jackson covered in dirt. He had so much fun!

We celebrated 3 birthdays while camping. Kelli and John's 30th birthdays which are 23 days apart and then Jeffrey's 9th birthday.

We gave him a wallet with money in it. He was pretty excited!

The popcorn queens. John surprised me with jiffy pop! YUMMY!

One day at Kelli's I took the three little ones over to the park and we had a blast!

*LOVE*

Jacob would just giggle every time he touched Cody. It was so cute. He was pretty good with him.

He found his mouth.

Jackson being a big helper with cute little Cody. Poor Cody! Look at his face! He's not used to being fed by a 3 year old.

This is on John's actual birthday. I made a big lasagna, salad, and cheesecake with strawberry topping. All the birthday kids making wishes and blowing out their candles.

Mailee and Jackson really wanted a candle too. So why not!

The last day before I left we went out to Red Iguana. One of the yummiest Mexican restaurants ever! I so went off my low carb eating for that. It was amazing! Jacob loved the chicken taquitos.

My crazy family!

Jackson and Uncle Choo Choo (Thomas)

Miss them!!

2011-09-16T23:48:00.000-06:00

I miss this crazy fun family of mine!

And I miss MY BABY!!! I hate being away from my sweet little Cody!!

I love him so much!

"I'm a BIG butt mommy!"

2011-09-11T22:03:00.002-06:00

I have a "moment" every day now that my baby is three years old. What am I going to do when he is 16 or when he is 19 and I send him off on a mission?? I'm going to just cry every day. Why can't mommies freeze time? I beg Jackson every single day to stop growing and to stay my baby but he refuses and says he wants to be taller than Daddy. He is really excited about being three years old and a big boy. I know it's horrible but I tried to say under my breath one day "Jackson, you're such a little butt" when he was being a whiny boy. But he heard me and he said very seriously "I am a BIG butt Mommy!!". He was so upset I would call him little. It made me laugh and laugh.

Jackson had his first day of preschool (pictures to come and they are darn cute!) and his three year check up on the same day. It was a big day for him.On our way to the office I became so emotional because I looked back at Jackson and he just had his head back with the wind blowing on him, his eyes closed and a big smile on his precious little face. I turned on the radio and it was playing his song "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon. After that song I turned the station and it was playing Yellow by Coldplay. That is our song we would dance to every day when he was a baby and I would hold him. It's on his 1st year slide show. It just really got to me. He is getting so big....

Anyway, he is very very star struck by his doctor. He LOVES Dr. Reicherts. He ran into the office saying "I need to see my Mr. Dr. Reicherts!" It was so cute. Dr. Reicherts is an in demand doctor and he was a little behind that day so we had a 1 hour wait in the waiting room. Normally this would not be okay with me but Jacob was at home asleep with John and Jackson was in a very sweet talkative mood. He sat on my lap facing me the entire hour. He talked about all of his family and friends. He told me I am so gorgeous and a princess. The other moms in the room were just dying over that. I felt so special. I really honestly did not brainwash or teach Jackson to call me gorgeous. Sweetest story ever:

I usually wake up to one of my kids jumping on me or Jacob yelling "DAD!" in my face. But one morning I just opened my eyes and Jackson was laying on his tummy right next to me. He was running his fingers through my hair. When he saw I opened my eyes he said "You so gorgeous mommy. I love you too." I teared up and just snuggled with the little angel as long as he would let me. That is a mother's dream!!

Back to Doctor's visit. Dr. Reicherts told me 3 times that John and I are extremely spoiled having Jackson. He eats exceptionally well. His vocabulary is amazing, he understands emotions extremely well and is a very sensitive (in a good way) child. He has terrific problem solving skills. My sister was just commenting on this while we were in Utah. I just never realized these things until people started pointing it out. Jackson is growing and developing wonderfully and I am a very proud Mommy.

One other thing I have to mention about my Jackson Pooh is that he is seriously a responsible and clean child. Maybe a little too much, like OCD. He can't handle a mess. He will take care of it before anyone else can get to it. Not just his messes, but other kids and even Jacob's or mine. He will carry his stool around the house to get paper towels, trash bags, and the broom. Some examples: Someone will leave a wrapper on the floor in our house and if Jackson walks past it or just sees it he will stop playtime and go pick it up and throw it away without anyone asking him to. He will get a paper towel and wipe off any spills, drops, or messes during meal times without being asked. He clears his dishes from the table and puts them in the sink. He puts his dirty clothes in the hamper when he gets in his pajamas at night. He puts all his toys away exactly where they go. He puts his own clothes away if they are on the floor. The child fixes frames and decorations around our house! If he sees something out of place, I have caught him adjusting it or straightening frames that are on shelves. I wonder if he really will have some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder or if he is just a very clean boy?!

My handsome big boy at the doctor's office

I *love* his feet so much! They are miniature John feet and I just adore them!

One of Jackson's very favorite movies is Peter Pan. I love it because that is my all time favorite Disney movie and my dad likes to call me Peter. Jackson loves pretending he is Peter Pan and is off to Neverland.

He goes quickly from Peter Pan to a Transformer.

And then to a Super Hero.

I love Jackson's beautiful little freckle face! It just kills me. I think I kiss him and Jacob all over their faces about a thousand times a day.

My attempt at a picture of us together :)

These two pictures are from today. Daddy crashed on the couch after dinner for a quick Sunday nap and I took the boys in the wagon so it would be quiet at home. We had so much fun running around the neighborhood. The boys had all the neighborhood teenagers adoring them!

Jackson is such a good brother (most of the time). He really loves to cuddle and love Jacob. This morning he gave Jacob a huge good morning kiss on the mouth and then put his arm around him and just held him. It's going to be a fun ride with these two. Jackson also has already been trying out some wrestling moves and body slams with poor little 21 month old Jacob.

My Birthday letter to Jackson:

Jackson Pooh,
Daddy and I love you so much. You have grown into such a big handsome boy and we are so proud of you. You have changed our lives in so many good ways. Daddy and I are not perfect or even the best but we love you more than we can ever say. Our love for you grows more and more somehow. Every day we think we couldn't possibly love you more than we do now because our hearts are just bursting with love and happiness for you. But somehow that love and happiness keeps growing.
You are such a funny little man and we love how much you make us laugh. You do and say the funniest things. You love to mimick everyone around you. You are also a very sweet kind boy and you say the nicest things to people you love and even to strangers.
People just adore you. When we go out I feel like a celebrity mom. I can't walk even a few feet without another person stopping to see you, to say hi to you, to tell me how cute you are and how beautiful your red hair is. And I love that you tell everyone your hair is not red, it is orange. You are my funny little Pumpkin pooh.
Daddy and I talk about you after you are in bed and we are so grateful for you. We love you exactly the way you are and wouldn't change a single thing about you. Temper tantrums and all. You are a very smart and responsible boy and you make mommy's life easier!
We also want you to know that your Aunt Nikki is so proud of you too Jackson. We feel her tremendous love for you and we hope you feel that too. We know you are close to her and we hope you will always keep her in that big loving heart of yours. She is your special guardian Angel. Just like she is to your brother and your cousins. She loves her nephews and nieces so much. It makes Mommy's heart melt every time you say her name and it makes us smile when you talk about Nikki and Jesus. You are so special Jackson. Wo ai ni beautiful boy.

Love,
Daddy and Mommy.

Family Pictures

2011-09-04T17:57:00.001-06:00

I just got back to "Poopy Chicago" from my home Utah. I was there for 19 days. John was there with us this time for 11 of the 19 days so we had our family pictures taken by my very very talented step Aunt, Teri. I was thrilled to have them taken in Utah. Unless it's a field of gorgeous sunflowers, you can't beat the scenery in Utah! It's kind of picture overload because I have SO many favorites.

I love this picture because this is just oh so normal for us. Jacob chomping on my arm and Jackson just off in his own little world. He's probably thinking about Super Heroes or something. This is what they both did when I begged them to smile at the camera. They have awesome listening skills and are so very obedient. I think if we were all smiling at the camera it would be so boring looking. Right?

Four more days!!

2011-08-11T22:42:00.000-06:00

In just four days I get to hug and kiss these perfect, amazingly beautiful, crazy, silly children who are lucky enough to call me Aunt Jami! Ha ha. Other way around! I am blessed to have these four munchkins in my life. I honestly love these sweetie pies like my own. Kalyse, Jeffrey, Mailee, and baby Cody... be warned, I have been saving up lots of kisses and bear hugs just for you! Especially you Jeffrey because I know how cool you think it is for your Aunt to kiss you.
Jackson is beyond excited about seeing you guys. He says to me every day "Let's talk about my friends Mommy. I need to see my friends in Utah. My Jeffrey, my Kalyse, my Mailee, my baby Cody." He is going to freak out with pure excitement when he finally sees his cousins.

6 years

2011-08-07T08:57:00.000-06:00

"True love stories never have endings."

We celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary on July 30th by having a big Truck party for our 3 year old :). Jackson gets July 30th now. We celebrated our anniversary one week later.
I was thinking about our last 6 years. We've had a roller coaster of events and craziness in the last few years together. Something that stood out strong to me is that we have always been each others rock. I am so grateful for my sweet husband. I honestly never thought it would happen for me for some reason. I didn't think I would actually get to marry an honest, good looking, hard working, loving, supportive, wonderful, returned missionary. Because to me that would be my dream come true. And I just didn't think it could actually happen.
John and I met online (ha ha ha, I know!) and I fell head over heels in love with him on our very first date. Six years later I am falling in love with him all over again, we have two beautiful boys and he still makes me laugh when I am mad at him.

I thought it would be fun to look at our last 6 years. It was fun and sad because unfortunately it shows my weight issues I have had but we were still happy :) That's what counts!

2005, married for time and all eternity.

2006 in Colorado with my Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Keith

2007, our Christmas card

2008, we just found out I was pregnant and celebrated with a little getaway to Moab.

2009, the biggest year of changes in our life. In order: lost a sister, moved to Chicago, surprise pregnancy, and at the end of the year welcomed our little sweetie pie, Jacob Nikolas.

2010, Red Lobster celebrating my 27th birthday.

2011, 4th of July.

For our 6th anniversary we celebrated by eating a yummy dinner at home. I made my man's favorite :). He always claims he married because of the food I made him. I made BBQ ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and salad with homemade ranch.

And New York Style Cheesecake with fresh strawberry topping.

We went to see Harry Potter in 3D. This was my first 3D movie! And I cannot believe I am posting these ridiculous pictures. We look soooo hot!!

After the movie we decided to play a game for our anniversary gift to each other. We had $5 each and had to find something that reminded us of each other or had a story behind it.

I got John this camping egg carrier and bear bell because it reminds me of our first anniversary. We went camping and he made these yummy eggs. But there were still several eggs in the container when we got back home. He left them in his car (typical John) and they were there for weeks! It smelled so nasty in his car. For his birthday I had the car detailed.
Also on that same camping trip we had a visitor to our tent. A bear!! I have never had such a bad panic attack in all my life. John had his gun and he let out huge hollers that scared me even more but scared the bear away. I had to pee a couple hours later and made him stand next to me outside with the flashlight while I squatted.

John got me silly putty because he says he loves how silly I am and especially how silly I get with my sister Michele. He said he thinks I'm really funny when I act goofy.
He also got me these Disney Princess cupcake liners with picks. He said this sums me up. Girly, loves princesses, and baking! All in one :) He so knows me because I was so excited and told him now I have an excuse to make some pretty girly cupcakes!

We had a great anniversary. I love my Bunny Boo Boo so much and can't imagine my life without him. Happy six years to us :-)

Jackson's 3rd Birthday July 30th.

2011-08-01T22:45:00.001-06:00

I have SO many wonderful pictures to share of Jackson's 3rd birthday. And a huge thank you to Ashley Wright and John for these pics. Thank you so much!
Jackson went back and forth from Super Heros, Dinosaurs, and Tractors for his friend party this year. But he finally decided and was really excited about Tractors. The party was perfect, the guests were so much fun, and Jackson was spoiled! And I can't believe my baby bug is 3!!

Here is the construction site cake that Mommy slaved over with lots and lots of love. I am very proud because in the process of making this cake there were no tears shed, no disasters (Except that Jackson kicked over the biggest layer and I had to hurry and whip up a new big circle) and no naughty words from mommy's mouth because it all just came together better than I'd hoped. John and I sat down one night and designed the cake and then I just kind of winged it with making the frosting look like dirt :)

The cake is Devil's food cake with semi sweet chocolate chips and chocolate pudding added.

The filling is Oreo buttercream.

The frosting is also Oreo buttercream colored brown.

The decorations

The cutest 3 year old birthday boy!!

Jackson and his future wife, Addy. Jackson is crazy about this sweet girl.

Some of our awesome friends at the party.

Me and Jackson's cake.

We all sang Happy Birthday to Jackson and he did his famous shy/embarrassed smile the whole time. It was the cutest thing in the world!

He was so excited to blow out the candles.

Eating his huge slice of birthday cake!

Opening presents. He was so so so spoiled! Right here he is opening a huge thing of bubbles with a really cool bubble gun. And then a Toy Story shirt and his new favorite book that is about trucks and tractors.

Iron Man, Dinosaur and Spaceship pajamas.

A huge waterslide with two big water blaster guns. Then he opened presents from Mommy and Daddy. A big Bull Dozer.

A new Dump Truck and Fire Engine with a ladder and fireman.

Pumpkin heads :)

Jacob eating his Cheetos and very much enjoying them.

Jackson happily chowing down on his hot dog.

We had a fun Tractor Pinata that the kids were crazy about! I love that there was no stick hitting and it was by pulling strings.

When the candy fell out Jacob quickly made his way to the candy and sat on top of it all.

Jackson showing off his loot.

Our family.

After the party the boys (that includes John) all took a nice two hour nap while Mommy cleaned up. Jackson's birthday is also mine and John's wedding anniversary. So now that Jackson gets July 30th we celebrate a week later. But this was my anniversary gift to John. A nap for him while I took care of the mess :)

Then we went to have a family dinner to celebrate our marriage and our 3 year old. We went to a favorite of ours, Outback.

Jackson ordered his first steak at a restaurant. The Joey Sirloin. He thought it was funny that it was named that because of Aunt Joey.

Lots of love for the birthday boy! I could just kiss my babies a million times a day.

This is Jacob's new favorite thing and I finally got it on camera! He always puts his fingers in his ears just to be silly or when it's too loud for him.

Some of the staff came over and gave Jackson a birthday ice cream sundae and sang happy birthday to him. They were very loud and did the whole clapping thing. Jackson didn't know what to think of this!

They're still singing and he is about in tears in this picture. I was laughing so hard!

He was so cute. He didn't even hesitate; he passed out spoons to everyone to share his dessert.

Jacob saw himself in the spoon and started talking to himself. So cute!

When we got home Jackson opened MORE presents from family. He got this really cool Live Butterfly kit from Grandma Sorensen. He named all the caterpillars and is excited to take care of them. He also received this awesome rocket blaster thing from Grandma Totten. He's really excited about his gifts. He did get a new tent from his Aunt, Uncle, and cousins but we are exchanging it because a pole was broken. I'll post a picture of him in his tent once we get it.

Jackson got Jacob this little tractor that makes noises so that he would get to open a present too.

Finally, Mommy gets some kisses in return.

I love when they make each other laugh!

And give each other loves.

I love you Jack Jack!! You are SUCH a big boy and Mommy and Daddy hope you had a wonderful birthday sweetie pie. We can't believe how big you are and we are so proud of the sweet, responsible, and fun child you are. Happy Birthday Baby! (you will always be Mommy's baby!)

Jacob Nikolas * 18 months

2011-07-27T22:31:00.001-06:00

Our sweet little baby turned 18 months on June 10th. This post is a little late.

Jacob's check up went great. His new stats:
* Weight : 23 lbs 2 oz 15th percentile
* Length : 31 1/4 inches 20th percentile (was in the 3rd percentile 3 months ago!)
* Head circumference : 19 1/8 70th percentile.

Same as last check up... small body, big head :-)

I get told that my 1 year old is incredible! People think he is just barely 12 months old and the way he walks and communicates is just amazing. I just laugh. Today is he closer to 20 months.

After Jacob's shots Jackson was in tears with him because he was SO worried about "my baby Jacob". He growled at the nurse after she left and said "You not hurt my baby Jacob nurse!". Jacob has a body guard!

I love that Jacob is holding onto Jackson's hand :)

They are becoming better friends every day. Jacob loves to imitate his older brother.

Jacob's words: (went from 9 words 3 months ago to 17 words and putting two words together)

What's this/that
Jackson (says this one the most!)
Choo Choo
Daddy/Dad
Juice
Got you
Giddy up
Dog
Quack
Blah blah blah (says this while moving his hands in talking motions)
Hi
Bye
Kiss/Kisses
Yay
Ball
Car
Woody (Toy Story)

Favorite foods: The kid is a carb lover! He has almost exact opposite diet as me.

Sun Dried Tomato Wheat Thins
Froot Loops
Teddy Grahams
Tortilla chips
Fishy crackers
Nutragrain Bars
Popcorn Chicken
Refried beans
Taquitos and green sauce
Rice-A-Roni
Grilled Chicken
Grilled ham and cheese
Milk/Chocolate milk (Ovaltine)
Water
Juice
Chocolate. Anything chocolate! Maybe I will try chocolate covered green beans :)

I know this picture looks like a diaper disaster but I promise you I would never take a picture of something so awful. Instead I wanted to capture my brightest moment. One of the hottest days of the year, 108 degrees outside, Jacob is ornery, I hand him a kit kat bar in his car seat. Who knew that Chocolate + 108 degree weather + 18 month old = very big mess for Mommy :) Live and learn.

He definitely has some texture issues. He hates ice cream, yogurt, fruit of any kind, veggies of any kind. I have to hide his veggies in his rice and make smoothies with fruit because he would live on a liquid diet if I let him.

New and favorite things:

He's totally mastered going up and down the stairs with no fear and no falls
He does the "Muscle Man" that Uncle Craig taught him. He shows his muscles and grunts.
He roars like a dinosaur all day long. His brother taught him that.
He loves to be in the water. Swimming pool, bathtub, water slides, in a floaty, splashing in puddles, in the rain... just give the kid water and he is happy!

He loves to throw away his own diaper and is so proud of himself.
He helps clean up his toys and actually knows exactly where some of his things go without me directing him.
He loves his baby doll and will push him around in the little stroller every morning after breakfast.

Jacob is definitely a climber. He will climb onto anything and everything and is totally fearless.

One of my most favorite things he does is clap for himself when he does something he is proud of or something he thinks is funny and he says "Yay" in a very very high pitched sweet baby voice.
He makes funny noises all day long. He loves to pick up a book and make noises to pretend he is reading. It's so cute!
He is a movie fanatic and his favorites are: All 3 Toy Stories, Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Gnomeo and Juliet, Cars, The Land Before Time, and Tangled.
He naps once a day for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. (don't you love his little old man look after church)

He makes a super super sad face that for some reason causes anyone looking at him to imitate the sad face and say "Oh!! Sad Baby!"
He started nursery right at 18 months and is in there with his older brother. It was kind of sad for me and John. We took him in and headed for the door expecting tears or his sad face but he was happy as could be! We each stood by a window outside the nursery watching him and we were far more upset and sad about leaving him then he was. He had a great time and he loves nursery and being with his brother.
Jacob's nickname, given by his Aunt Kelli, is Cheese Puff. This baby seriously gives some of the cutest and sometimes scariest looking cheesy faces ever! It's the best when he adds the snorting to it! He had his cousins laughing so hard at dinner one night just putting on a show of cheesy faces and snorts.

He is a very social little guy. He says hi to strangers and smiles HUGE for everyone. He is completely opposite of his brother. He loves attention from people.

He has become very passive aggressive with Jackson. He isn't putting up with being the little picked on brother anymore. He gets mad and he hits Jackson. He isn't just taking it anymore, he is totally dishing it out.
He is still our little puppy with the whimpers.

Here he is doing his usual puppy stuff. Slurping rain water from a table. Totally normal right?

We love our little Cheese Puff so much. He brings so much joy to my life. Every morning he comes into our bedroom and wakes me up with kisses and hugs. Sometimes he just rubs his head all over me like a little puppy. He is a total momma's boy and is extremely affectionate to me even though he does call me Dad :).
Jacob is such a sweet boy and just loves his family and life. He is way too good to me and I feel like the luckiest mom in the world to have such a precious baby. I am loving life just enjoying my boys right now and watching Jacob go through some of the stages Jackson went through but to see how different they are too.

We love you Jacob Nikolas. You are our little angel and we are so grateful Heavenly Father knew we needed you. You have brought Mommy so much happiness exactly when I've needed it most. I honestly don't know how I would have survived the last 18 months without your precious spirit in my life and our home. You are such a huge part of our family, we all needed you and we all love you forever sweet baby.

Father's Day 2011

2011-07-21T08:07:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind on posts here. We had a fantastic Father's Day this year. But something so sad happened. The kids and John looked extra extra amazingly handsome for church and I took some super cute pictures of them. Then I made a homemade Chicago deep dish pizza and took some super cute pictures of John and the boys at dinner time. I wanted to look back at some of them and there was nothing on the camera!! No pictures!! John went camping by himself while the boys and I were in Utah and he took a lot of pictures. He took the memory card out when he got home and forgot to put it back in. So all the pictures of Father's Day up to cake time were gone. I wanted to cry. I told him he is just lucky it wasn't Mother's Day! :-)

Anyway, John had a short nap after church, then went home teaching. Then we had dinner and John was very happy :) He loves Chicago pizza! We all went on a much needed walk after we stuffed ourselves. Then we had John's Father's Day cake. He took his first bite and sighed with a disappointed look on his face. My heart sunk. How could I make a yucky cake on Father's Day?? I asked him what was wrong and he said "This is the best chocolate cake I've ever had!". The sigh and look on his face was him thinking about how he was going to control himself. Funny guy!

The Chinese characters say "Father and Son". On the cake board it says in Mandarin "Wo ai ni" which translates to "I love you". John and Jackson say Wo ai ni to each other every night.

The cake is double fudge dark chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse. The frosting is butter cream with whipping cream.

For Father's Day the boys painted on an apron for Daddy because we finally have a new grill after our last one was destroyed during a tornado warning two years ago. We also got him a facial hair trimmer and some new shirts. Jackson picked out his Father's Day card with robots on it :-).

Now the mushy part.... John really is an amazing amazing father. He is the best thing that ever happened to our precious boys. When I knew I wanted to marry John a big part of that was knowing he was going to be an incredible father. He has completely lived up to that and then some. He can make these boys giggle harder than anyone and makes them smile just by looking at them. He is so silly with them and so so very loving to them. He wipes away tears, kisses ouchies, cuddles, reads books, and mostly he loves to just hold his boys. Jackson and Jacob are equally crazy about their Daddy. Jacob walks around saying "Dad" all day long. John can't even go to the bathroom without one of them sticking their fingers under the door or Jackson will put his mouth against the bottom of the door and talk to John.
I've been thinking about it lately, probably more now because I've noticed John's spirituality and good habits have increased a lot more recently. But I feel so fortunate to have a husband who is determined to raise our children righteously. He talks about Jesus, temples, the church, and commandments to them. Jackson is starting to understand some of it and it's amazing to see how important these things are to my 3 year old. I am proud that Jackson wants to be just like his daddy. He will be a good man, hard worker, spiritual example, and amazing father one day if he follows in his father's footsteps. And very very handsome with dimples and a puppy face that will get him out of anything! I love you Bunny Boo Boo (yep, that's right.). Thank you sounds so simple but I mean it when I say thank you for being the Father you are to our sweet boys and for the good example you are in their lives. Thank you for the way you make them laugh. It is music to my ears. You are truly the best father our boys could ever hope for and I am grateful for you in my life and their lives. You are very needed, loved, and adored in this home!

Words

2011-07-17T22:24:00.000-06:00

My child has big ears and picks up everything he hears. The latest and greatest my almost 3 year old has said:

"Mommy, I ate my whole damn hamburger."

"Daddy! Please read me this freaking book."

"I have a big white butt."

"I poop big like Daddy.... and Mommy!"

"I go to the bathroom like a big girl like Daddy."

"Jacob not like his tangy (candy). He need me to eat it for him."

"Jeffrey? You poop in the toilet like Jackson? You have a weener too?" (Jeffrey is his 8 year old cousin)

"Mommy, your diet docta peppa your medicine?"

"Why your head hurt Mommy? I stress you out?"

"Only girls need to wipe."

"Mommy, why you mad? Daddy not helping you ever?"

"Addy marry me in temple Mommy. We get married and Mr and Mrs Addy."

Utah * Week 1

2011-07-10T22:08:00.002-06:00

I'm finally posting from my amazing UTAH trip!! You're welcome (you know who you are!)!!

I am so proud of myself. I really am :) I flew with both my crazies by myself both ways. I have officially flown with two kids by myself 6 times!

We really cherish the time we had at the ranch. I really really love my grandparents. They are two of the most amazing people and we just love them love them!

Jackson and Jacob picking the dandelions and making wishes. I have never shown Jackson how to do this so I was really surprised when I saw him pick one up and blow on it. It must be something all kids just know to do :)

This little wooden rocking horse is soooo old. I don't even know how old but I rode on it when I was this age. My grandma picked it up at a yard sale and it has survived many many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Me and the boys with the chickens. Jackson asked if he could eat one!

Jacob trying to figure out what he's looking at.

Roaring like a dinosaur at the chickens!

Grandma and Jackson

Uncle Jay and Jackson

Just getting back from a quad ride. Both the boys had SO much fun on the quads.

They loved this little pathway with the rocks and under the trees. They spent a lot of time just walking back and forth.

My grandparents have this long dirt road that leads up to their house. The boys had a blast just walking and running on the dirt road. Jackson had fun being Mommy and making sure Jacob stayed with him.

I LOVE this picture of my baby boys!!

The guys getting some of the horses together for a ride.

Uncle Jay and Jackson

Jackson, Grandpa and Brenda.

Jackson changed Brenda's name to Jackson Boyd West Horsey

Jacob and Uncle Jay being silly :-)

Jacob on his horsey. So cute!

We went to St. George on a Saturday and I dropped my kids off at my step sisters' house. They were so sweet to watch them for me. Then I headed over to the St. George temple and was there for my Dad and step Mom's sealing. It was so special and sweet. I loved every second of it. I love seeing my Dad happy and these two just couldn't be more perfect for each other. I didn't even get a single picture of them at the temple or at the dinner :-(

Their friend had a dinner for them and she blew up this amazing castle just for my boys!

Then on Sunday we took another road trip back to SLC. Here are my awesome boys being so good for mommy! Jacob was out the entire way (which is about 4.5 hours) and Jackson watched a movie then fell asleep the rest of the way.

Utah * Week 2

2011-07-10T22:07:00.003-06:00

Week 2 in Utah was spent at my older sister's house. I got to meet my precious and unbelievably adorable nephew, Cody aka Mr. Perfect!! Introducing (drum roll please...)
The cutest baby alive!!! Cody Michael. Oh I love this little beauty of a baby!! I am seriously in love and I have thought about him and missed him every single day since I left Utah. He is really a perfect baby. I'm not exaggerating. If there were something more than perfect he would be that.

The three crazies! I mean it. These three munchkins really are a little crazy and coo coo. They are the cutest cousins and my boys just love little monkey Mailee Mae.

We made a rainbow cake with the kids. They had fun seeing all the colors.

We went to Thanksgiving point and had a blast! Jackson was terrified of this bear until Mailee got on there with him.

These next pictures crack me up. Aunt Kelli took them of little Jacob being sneaky. Here he is thinking "Hmmm... a shovel. Let's see what I can do with this."

"Oh, look. Sand. I think this will work nicely with my shovel."

"La di da di da. Just scooping up some sand ever so innocently."

"And dumping it on my brother's head! Buwah ha ha ha ha ha." says little Cheese Puff.

Look at little Mr. Perfect with his adorable outfit and so so cute hat!

Awesome picture of the cousins all together :-)

Jackson aka Mr. Serious.

Zonked out.

Jacob being so soft and nice to the little pony that bit him.Watch the video below!

Jackson and I went up to Kalyse's elementary and had lunch and recess with her. They were both so excited!

On the train at Southtowne Mall.

Triangle Eyebrows. <3

At the park enjoying the sun and having lunch.

Grandma Grove and Jacob. She is such a cute Grandma and loves playing with the boys.

Jacob had so much fun being chased through all these little tunnels.

Craig trying out for America's Next Top Model! Ha ha. But I didn't even notice until I uploaded this photo that it says Craig on the fence right under his right hand.

Uncle Craig

The girls painted my nails one night. They were so excited to pick out colors and I felt so pampered and special! They did such a beautiful job too. I absolutely love being Aunt Jami and am so lucky to have amazingly cute and fun nieces and nephews. I miss them so much!! Tears.....

Oh why do I have 10 year old looking hands? Honestly, if I said these were my nieces hands you probably wouldn't think twice about it. At least my fingernails look pretty :)

My kids and I got my sister's whole basement to ourselves which was awesome. But the kids had a little bit of a hard time staying on the bed. Every night this is what I would find followed by giggling or knocking to let them out.

And of course I just couldn't help myself and had to make their giggling worse!

Jackson and Mailee decided Grandpa Grove needed to be their horsey. I think Dad liked it for his back though :)

This is where it got really fun! Jackson is such a good boy about throwing away diapers. Somehow he knew this would be funny though. He was on his way to throw away a dirty and very smelly diaper but instead took a detour and went after Grandpa Grove with it! This is especially funny because it's my dad and this is the guy who would have a clothespin on his nose, gloves on, and a candle to sniff nearby when changing our dirty diapers. He is thoroughly disgusted by dirty diapers. I was laughing so hard when Jackson went after him with it!

Even though it's blurred this picture makes me laugh so hard. Or in the words of my sister "LMAO" :-)

Cute Uncle Craigers. Such a stud in that blue shirt!

Grandpa and Grandma Grove. We miss you both so much and can't wait to see you soon.

Kelli and I got our big boys matching Dinosaur pajamas. Aren't they just the cutest ever?? Jeffrey and Jackson. Cutest little cousins and best friends.

Jackson doing Iron Man. This kid has an obsessive and intense personality! What am I going to do?

Jeffrey's not going for this kiss so much! The look on Jeffrey's face is so stinking cute I can't stand it!

This one picture completely says it all for my little Jackson.

Jackson checking out Baby Cody. He says "Mommy, Baby Cody is SO cute. He nice and cute!".

He really is the cutest!!

This is what happens when you have Uncles and a Mommy who feels very outnumbered and loves the color pink and everything girly!

Grandpa Grove was kind enough to text these pictures to Daddy back home.

At the Dinosaur Museum

My sister gets an award for being Super Woman. We did so much while I was there and she had JUST had her baby a couple weeks before I came out. She was amazing. And it wasn't just the baby while we were out all day several times. It was her, the baby, her other three kids, and nursing! She is Super Mom, Super Aunt, and Super Sister!

Mailee just makes me laugh so much! I love this girl!

I never thought I'd see one of these two giving the other one a horsey ride. They are pretty much the same size, give or take a pound or two.

Jeffrey saved Mailee's back from breaking and gave them a double horsey ride.

Warning: Be prepared to scream at these next three pictures if you scream at cute things because all the females in my family do.

SOOOOO CUTE!!!!

These are such long posts, I couldn't take out any pictures though! Click here to go to Week 3 post or just click Older at the bottom of the page :)

Utah * Week 3

2011-07-10T22:06:00.000-06:00

Week 3, Mommy's house in Tremonton! We had so much fun. We started my time with my mom by us all meeting my mom at Hogle Zoo.

Cutie pies!!

Who has the most beautiful fun Grandma in the world? Jackson!

I love my little Kalysee Pooh. I thought kids were supposed to go through an ugly duckling phase but she is just skipping right past that. I really think she is one of the most beautiful little girls.

Super Mom and Mr. Perfect!!

First time having Cotton Candy. I know! Almost 3 years old and he's never had it before now.

Making sure to get every little taste of the sugar.

Sweet baby Jacob. Simple things make him so happy.

Handsome little men on a train ride with Grandma.

My mom is so cute! She is seriously such a fun Grandma. My boys are lucky!

Jacob and Grandma feeding the ~~ducks~~ ~~seagulls~~ beach chickens. (family joke)

This picture is so sweet. My mom loved feeding the ducks as a little girl. My siblings and I loved feeding the ducks when we were little too. And now our kids love it.

Jacob had a blast running around with Grandma and her dog, Bailey. He loves dogs.

My mom and her baby, Bailey. She talks baby talk to this horse of a dog! It's pretty funny.

Grandpa Sorensen giving the boys quad rides. They loved it so much!

Jackson begged Grandma if he could go on the trampoline. Of course she said yes and they had a blast! Grandma and Jackson even jumped so high at one point they made Jacob fly :)

Kelli and her kiddos came up to have their pictures taken by my mom's sister in law. So they spent the day and had a sleepover with us and my Mom planned some super fun stuff for the kids.

Here is Mailee cheesing it up for the camera.

My mom got 30 little goldfish and put them in a little swimming pool for the kids. They had so much fun catching them, splashing around with them and getting their feet tickled by them.

Jackson's cute little Flintstone feet with the fishies.

Jackson, Mailee, and Kalyse's cute little toes.

Mailee Mae totally living up to her title of Monkey Child.

I can't even explain how much I love this nut. She is in a league of her own. The guy who marries Mailee is going to have to be one awesome guy to deserve how much fun she is!

Aunt Jami and Baby Cody. I am the luckiest Aunt ever! I have 4 amazingly beautiful, precious nieces and nephews. They are all my babies just living with my sister :)

Cody with Grandma and Grandpa's very big bear!

It just doesn't get cuter that this.

Grandma has a way cool snow cone maker and the kids definitely loved that!

Uncle Craig reading Iron Man to the boys. He is so cute when he's not making them cry.

Jacob got the pool all to himself later because he was napping when the other kids were out here.

He definitely had a great time and thought it was so funny that there were fishies in there!

Jacob's little baby feet with the fishies.

Uncle Craig taught Jackson how to dribble a basketball. I love it! Seriously so cute that my little man is dribbling a ball.

Playing a little one on one.

Here's Jackson's first NBA profile picture. Such a little stud!

And the day cannot end without Jackson turning into one of the many Super Heroes. He out of the blue turned into Spider Man and went to attack the bad guy!

Got him with his webs!

Later that night my step dad built a fire and we roasted hot dogs and had s'mores. Yum! Jacob really enjoyed the marshmallows.

Mom and her newest grand baby.

Uncle Craig and Jacob. He is really a very sweet Uncle.

And such a weird person.... It does run in our family.

Hansen Park, just below my mom's house, was very flooded. And this was nothing. It was so bad before we were there. My mom and sister had their swimsuits on and were catching carp out here!

Jackson and Jacob just wanted to play it safe and stay on the rocks and dirt.

But they did enjoy the little puddles with Mailee and Grandma.

I LOVE that Mailee is holding up her shorts so they don't get wet!!

I hope this makes you smile and not cry, Mom. But when I saw this picture I immediately got goosebumps from head to toe and my heart felt so heavy with love and happiness even through the alligator tears. I have never seen Nikki in anyone as much as I see her in you right here. This picture was already precious because of you and Jackson but now it is beyond precious. It is really special to me because somehow it just feels like Nikki is in this picture. I'm printing this one out and putting it up in my home forever.

Jackson and his cute little step cousin, Zoey. He said to Zoey shortly after meeting her "You my friend.". He held her hand around the house and followed her everywhere that night.

Grandma and her sleepy little Jackson.

Grandma and her sleepy (or sugar induced coma) Jacob.

The boys had so much fun being outside and playing playing playing. There's just nothing like being and Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Grandma and her handsome little grand babies. We miss you guys so much!!

Poopy Chicago friends

2011-06-28T08:32:00.000-06:00

I know that's a weird title to my post and when I say "poopy" I am referring to Chicago and NOT friends! I promise! I just feel overwhelmed with love and gratitude for my friends and I wanted to post on my blog about them and how much I love them.

Now, don't get me wrong. My husband, children, parents, step parents, siblings, nephews and nieces, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.... they are my family and I love them more than any of them will ever know. They mean the world to me and more. I miss them every day. It is so hard to not be the Aunt, Sister, and Daughter I want to be. I hate missing birthdays, baptisms, and special events in my family's lives. But hopefully they know that it kills me to be so far away and that I truly look forward to every time I get to go back home and I cherish every second I have with them when I'm there. My family has put up with the drama, the endless tears, the weird things I always say, and the 5 year old temper tantrums I throw when something isn't going my way. And they still love me! They are the most important people in my life and the only way I keep going every day is because I have faith and know that we are an eternal family and I get to be with these amazing people forever.

When I first moved out here it was the most difficult time in my life. I lost my little sister one month before moving away from my family, my support, and my home of 25 years. I left everything I knew behind and came out to a place I had never been before, moved into a house I didn't care about, and felt like I was just left to grieve and cope with everything on my own. Little did I know I would immediately receive phone calls from women in the ward welcoming me to Aurora and asking what they can do to help. I was probably very rude and refused all help and invitations to attend Relief Society activities. I hid in my house for months. I didn't want to socialize, I didn't want to fake a smile, and I really at the time just didn't even want to be happy. I was as sad and hurt as I possibly could be.

Then after a couple months or so of that there were a couple amazing girls my age who started inviting me to Playgroup. I didn't go at first. So they invited me to other get togethers. I still didn't go. John talked to me and he really wanted me to have friends and here I had these two girls trying so hard and not giving up. They invited me to a Pumpkin Patch and I went. That was the first time I went out and socialized and felt some happiness. And I had an amazing day! From there on it was great. I started going to playgroup regularly, I went to church activities and my new friends even made sure to keep track of me and make sure I was emotionally okay while we were out.

I have bonded with a really amazing group of girls now. They are my rock. When I need to cry 2 years later they are here for me without hesitation. When I feel so needy and annoying they reassure me I am not and that they want to be here for me. I have one friend who somehow always says the right things and exactly what I need to hear at every hard moment in my life. And to me, when a friend tears up and really hurts for you, that's when you know you have a genuine friend.

My friends here are always happy for me when I have accomplished something little or something big. My friends showed up with a delicious dinner, flowers, a beautiful card, and a much needed diet coke on the 2 year mark of my sister's death. It might not have seemed like a big deal to them but it meant the world to me. I receive texts, emails, and phone calls all the time just asking how I am and if I need anything. Even when I'm actually doing okay with no tears, no breakdowns, and I'm feeling emotionally stable for a change. But they are just thinking of me and want to be there for me.

I had one friend drop everything when I needed someone to talk to and come over to my house. She stayed until 3 am! She was so uplifting, made me feel so much more optimistic about my situation and life and I know she would do it again and again if I needed it. She really made me feel special and important to her.

My friends are such true examples of Christlike church members. They are amazing examples to me and I really need every single one of them in my life. I am so grateful for the testimonies I know they have because they have strengthened my own. They are proof that good things can still happen, life doesn't have to stop, and there really are angels on earth. I cannot possibly write about every amazing thing they have done for me. It's overwhelming to me the amount of love and service I have received from them. They are always there for me no matter what and like my family, they have put up with and accepted all the tears, breakdowns, overly dramatic side of me and love me anyway.

The other thing I wanted to mention is that every single one of these girls are so so very different from one another. But we all get along amazingly, there isn't the catty competition, and we have so much fun and act like we've been friends our whole lives when we are together.

I love you friends. I just hope you know how much you mean to me and how much I love each of you. Being a part of someone's healing process is a huge deal and I will never forget how much you have been here for me. I only hope I can somehow repay even a fraction of what you have done for me.

Tài kěài

2011-06-23T20:59:00.000-06:00

Tài kěài is "just too cute" in Mandarin Chinese. John says it to the boys all the time and Jackson says it back to Daddy. And that is just what I think of these pictures.

My mom's sister in law in Utah took their pictures just the day before we left to come back to poopy Chicago. (sorry but that is my family's official name for where I live). Teri is seriously an amazing photographer. You should check out her site : Teri Sorensen She really captured everything I love about my sweet boys!

Jackson Boyd * 3 years old (close enough anyway. Just one month away.)

Jacob Nikolas * 1 1/2 years old.

I can't even stand how much I love these little stinkers!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-10T22:28:00.000-06:00

This Mother's Day was so special and wonderful other than that I didn't get to spend it with my mom. I was completely spoiled by John.
He had the boys each paint me a picture on canvas. They are so amazing! I love them and was so surprised. I can't wait to get them up on my wall.

I just have to get these pictures in the post. The night before Mother's Day we wrote very sweet messages and birthday wishes to Nikki for her 26th birthday and released the balloons. I can't even describe how much I miss her.

I made a Mother's Day cake and Jackson was very happy about it! He sure loves those butter cream flowers!

Here are my amazing Mother's Day gifts. The wonderful beautiful art from my precious little boys. And John fixed my Kitchen Aid which is a HUGE gift to me!! He got me beautiful flowers and very sweet cards from him and the kids. He also took us out to Red Lobster the night before and I got to have the Ultimate Feast which is amazingly delicious!

Sunday was pretty nice so we went on a fun little walk with the kids and the wagon and just enjoyed some time together.

I loved Mother's Day and am so grateful to my children who I couldn't be a mother without! They are my whole world and so much more. I miss them when they are sleeping and I am completely obsessed with these funny little boys. I'm so grateful to my husband for giving me the blessing of staying home with my sweethearts so I can raise them and have the most important job in the world. I felt so appreciated, loved, and taken care of this Mother's Day. I wouldn't trade being a mommy for anything. There just aren't words to say how much I love them and how much I love being their mother. When I hear them call me Mommy it melts my heart completely. It is so special to me and sometimes feels too good to be true that I am a mommy to two perfect little boys.

Jami's bakery :)

2011-05-10T22:27:00.000-06:00

I've been loving excuses to bake around my house. My friend had her baby at 27 weeks and that is a lot to deal with and take on. She has no idea how amazing and strong she is. But for Mother's day I decided a little sugar will make everyone happy and made her a cake. It was a french vanilla cake with strawberry filling and butter cream frosting and flowers.

And even though I can't have sugar I had to have my own Mother's Day cake and at least watch my kids enjoy it. Which they very much did. Jacob wouldn't touch the cake. He just ate way too many of the little drop flowers from around the bottom.

For Easter treats for friends I made sugar cookies with butter cream frosting. If you have not had sugar cookies with butter cream frosting I am telling you it is a delicious combination!

All wrapped up.

Packaged with some Easter eggs

I gave these to my friends/girls I visit teach.

For our Easter treat I made a chocolate Sunflower cake. It's a yellow cake layered with chocolate ganache and frosted with chocolate butter cream frosting. Peeps and chocolate chips for decoration.

My sweet friend had her 25th birthday recently and I surprised her with two cakes because she was going over to her family's house with 6 kids. I just wanted to make sure there was plenty. This was a white cake layered with cream cheese and strawberry filling (aka strawberry shortcake). Frosted with Cream Cheese Butter Cream frosting. It is checkered on the inside but I couldn't cut into it to take a picture.

My friend from church had 110 cupcakes to frost for her son's reception. I can't take any credit for making the cupcakes. She made all of them. And the carrot cupcakes smelled heavenly!! I offered to frost them for her because she had plenty to worry about! I filled the yellow and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate butter cream frosting.

This is just a fun little craft I made for Mother's Day.

I LOVE how confused the recipients were about how I got the chocolate in there if the top was still sealed. It was a super fun craft :)

26

2011-05-07T16:30:00.001-06:00

Today is my sister, Nikki's, birthday. I thought things would be fine and we would have a happy day and no tears but who was I kidding?? It has been tough and lots and lots of tears. I knew I should have worn my waterproof mascara today!
John was so sweet and went out to get me a much needed diet Mtn. Dew and came back with balloons for us to write birthday wishes on and release in honor of Nikki. We send them up with lots of love.
It's so weird. That is the best word I can think of is weird. Not having her here is just weird and different and it's hard. I miss her so much and just wish I could see her and talk to her. I wish I could make her the most chocolate of all chocolate cakes! I wish I could go shopping for the perfect gift. I wish I could buy her a mushy birthday card telling her how much I love and need her. I wish I could hear her childlike giggles.
It's a special day but also a very emotional day. 26 years ago I was blessed with an amazing little sister to tease and love and share my life with. 2 years ago I had to say goodbye to a person I spent my childhood with, a person who I valued and loved very much, and to a person who was so much more than she or anyone will ever know. I hate goodbyes and that was the hardest one of my life.
I can't wait for our "Hello".

This is Nikki holding the birthday cake for our little brother Craig. She LOVED to be the one to hold the cake when we would blow out the candle.